The Duke's Passion

The echoing yell, metals banging and clashing, and the scent of blood pervaded the inside of the huge colosseum. These piercing noises and scent wasn't new to those who had lived in the colosseum, but tonight, it wasn't out of entertainment. The cries, sweat, blood, and tears were coming from their fiery desires for freedom. The thick walls that had kept their cries and screams a secret from the outside world wouldn't be enough anymore. Claude led the group, opening the other cells, and giving everyone the option to come with him out of this hellhole. Those who were able and sick of these sick games either assisted Claude from fighting; some of them helped those injured and unable to escape. There wasn't any planning that happened. Claude didn't waste his time briefing everyone. The goal was simple, after all. They had to get out of here. This opportunity wouldn't come again, and that was definitely true.

They would either die fighting for freedom. They would die anyway if they stayed in this place. Some lasted longer than the rest, others had to sacrifice their lives. However, their deaths… were probably the proudest moment of their lives more than the countless battles they had conquered. People who were turned undead and knights soon surrounded the Colosseum. Since the warriors were overpowering the knights in charge of the place, reinforcement soon came. It didn't take long before another wave of roars and growls filled the air. Claude screamed his lungs out, haggard from all the fighting, drenched in sweat and blood. He raised his sword, raising these warriors mocked and forced to entertain with their talent. Another wave of roar echoed, making the colosseum tremble.

Simultaneously, outside the capital of the Spade Kingdom, screams were also heard. But this time, it wasn't a large group of warriors against another group of undead and royal knights. It was just countless undead against one: Rufus. Rufus bolted through the undead thronging the street. Some of them were akin to brainless flesh. They were so easily cut. Others were quick and intelligent enough to fight, but Rufus never held back. "Unless he sends someone worthy to stop, I will not stop," he breathed out, creating a whirlwind with his sword as he sent multiple enemies away. Rufus stood mightily in the middle of the street. He looked around, and as if he didn't send people flying, the numbers of enemies just seemed wouldn't decrease.

"How unforgivable," whispered Rufus, his eyes falling on the little boy growling at him while dragging his feet in his direction. The boy was obviously unconscious. Those empty eyes were the same as the others. However, if Rufus hold back, he would be their prey. Hence, he mostly incapacitated those who blocked his path. Using the back of his sword until now, Rufus let out a deep exhale. He closed his eyes, and when he reopened them, another whisper slipped past his lips. "I'm sorry."

The moment those words rolled out of his tongue, Rufus disappeared from his vantage point, only to reappear on top of the house. He raised his sword up, and as its blade was sucking the moonlight, a small light beam slowly appeared on the tip of his sword. "It's been a while," he muttered to himself. "How I wished I didn't need to use this again."

Rufus kept his sword up for a moment, and after a while, he swung it down. Those flocking the street watched the small light descend on them. It was small, like a bead. But because of the night, its light was very clear.

They stared at it, but they didn't show any reaction when the small light hovered in the air and didn't land on the floor. The only time they showed a reaction was when the light suddenly exploded, blinding everyone. Some raised an arm to cover their eyes, but that wasn't enough to not get affected by it. When the light exploded, bringing daylight for a moment, everyone around the area felt their barely beating heart thud. Others felt suffocated by the light and the aura it brought they passed out. Some coughed out blood, only to slowly disintegrate to dust. A power of the first divine weapon. That was the sword Rufus used from then until now. Although it wasn't on the list of the Divine Order, his weapon was still considered divine. It was said that only the righteous could wield this weapon and use it to its full potential. If its wielder's heart was rotten and selfish, there was no way this weapon would listen. It was as though this sword was meant for Rufus, the man who was known as the strongest human. "The power of light." Rufus snapped his eyes ever so tenderly, turning his head on his side. There, on the other roof, three houses away from his vantage point was a man. The man clapped slowly, watching how the light disappeared, and darkness took over. The undead on the street were unconscious. Some turned into dust. "I heard about it before, but since I never witnessed it myself, I never truly believed it," said the man, facing Rufus's direction squarely. "Who would believe that a man can be this righteous? That a weapon exists and could cleanse a person's soul or give them a swift release to the heavens above?"

"Acheron," Rufus called, upon recognizing the man. Acheron Roseberg was one of Zero's loyal followers. Just like Rufus, this man was capable. Even Lilou had a hard time killing this man in the previous timeline, so Rufus was already aware he wouldn't reach the pier that soon. "Rufus Barrett." Acheron's expression was stern, pulling an aura on Rufus. "I finally had the chance to have a duel with you. It was a pleasure, Sir Knight."

"The feeling is mutual, Your Grace." Rufus twisted his sword since he had been using the back of his sword since parting with Law and Tilly. "You have all my respect, my lord, and it is such a shame you followed the wrong man."

Acheron smiled subtly. "My sentiments are the same. You have all my respect and it is such a shame you are on the wrong side."

Both men who lived their lives fighting fair and square, proving their worth through the countless battles they won, stared at each other. They were both undefeated, and tonight, they were aware they could lose a battle for the first time. "May the best warrior win," they remarked through their gritted teeth, and at that very moment, an explosion of aura that was just as intense as those coming from the royal palace was felt.

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